Jenny and I engaged in an interesting conversation with another couple recently about whether or not ghosts are for real. The other couple is absolutely convinced that ghosts exist and, in fact, they claim to have experienced paranormal activity...and have even communicated with the dead. Interesting.
They ask us, "Do you believe in ghosts." I said, "No." But I needed to clarify. I do believe in a spirit world. I believe in angels. I believe in demons. There's no talk of "ghosts" in the Bible. And there are only a few instances when living people actually had contact with those who passed on (the rich man and Lazarus being one, and another being Peter, James, and John seeing Moses and Elijah with Jesus).
You might say, "Well, there you go, John...proof that ghosts are real." Not so fast, my friend. Luke 16:27-31 would indicate that no human spirits are allowed to return to visit the living without permission. Permission is not even granted for the purpose of warning people to flee from the wrath to come, so it's reasonable to conclude that permission would not be granted so spirits could "haunt" or mess with people.
It really comes down to a matter of perspective. Jenny and I watched Ghost Hunters last week. Our friends would say, "That stuff's for real." Jenny and I laughed at the show because it seemed ridiculous. I do find conversations about ghosts interesting. I even enjoy a good ghost story. But scripture warns us not to become fascinated with the spirit world but to be fascinated by God and His awesome character and attributes (Psalm 27:4; Psalm 73:25).
Angels? Yes. Demons? Yes. Both are biblical. Ghosts? No. At least not when it comes to hauntings and paranormal manifestations. The Bible is clear that our spirits (souls) live on after death. But not here on earth.
Your thoughts?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
do you believe in ghosts?
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2 comments:
John,
Taking a leap here knowing how many read your blog, but I have had experiences of my own, that before I was a Christian, would have me, with out a doubt, say that I believe in ghosts.
Since becoming a Christ follower, I have sought counsel on this topic with a couple of people there at the church because my experiences have been so interesting and have been strong through my whole life.
I sought the counsel orginially because we definately had a demonic thing going on here which we found was most likely allowed into our home by a child of ours participating in various psychic games.
Other than that experience which was resolved, I have been through things, with others and alone. My experiences have been more subtle, but very real.
This is something I do not want to believe in, but cannot in any way explain the things I have seen.
Jane Ann
I believe demons can 'impersonate' the dead to make us believe we're interacting with a ghost of a deceased person. It's just one more way Satan deceives and distracts us from what is real and also distracts us from God himself. I used to be VERY afraid of ghosts and demon possession. When I came to Christ, ALL fear left me. Praise God for his all powerful love and protection. Nothing can get past Him to harm us! Amen.
Lori Zambie
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